The experienced midfielder wasn’t part of the matchday squad on Saturday and boss Justin Edinburgh explained why post-match

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is hopeful his decision to rest Charlie Lee for last Saturday’s National League match with Hartlepool United will benefit the O’s and the midfielder in the long run.

After starting 13 games in a row, the 31-year-old didn’t even make the bench for the visit of the Monkey Hangers at the weekend.

Back in August 2017, Lee suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage and although he has recovered impressively, Edinburgh admitted it was in the back of his mind when he decided to take the ex-Stevenage midfielder out of the starting XI on Saturday.

The O’s boss said: “He was rested. It was a decision which I felt needed to be made. It was a tough call and one Charlie didn’t like.

“I respect him for that, but to recover from the injury he had and to play as many games at this level as he has since returning to full fitness, I felt we needed to rest him to make sure in the long-term we keep him in form for the rest of the season.”

Lee’s place in the team was taken by James Brophy, which saw captain Jobi McAnuff come inside to partner Craig Clay in the centre of the pitch for Orient.

Brophy was a constant menace for Hartlepool, although should have scored when put through in the second half.

While McAnuff demonstrated his class with another consistent display and Edinburgh said: “Jobi worked so hard and for his tender age, he continues to lead by example with his performances.